Valuable Tips On How To Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy And Healthy

Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Cleo Louise Devine

Making Your Indoor Cat Happy

Cats are intensely curious about their surroundings And they are not satisfied, until with all their senses, they scope out their whole environment. Cats love to chew, and electrical cords unfortunately are one of their favorites.

To keep your cat away from this dangerous hazard, an easy solution is to wrap the cords in material specifically made for covering cords. It is cheap, and will protect your cat from gnawing on dangerous electric cords. To protect your cat from choking or swallowing something hazardous, inspect those toys that have loose parts carefully.

You may think a dish doesn't matter. But believe it or not, some cats are finicky about their bowls. Stainless steel bowls are highly recommended. Plastic and ceramic bowls are good, but they can scratch, and leave crevices where bacteria can grow inside the bowl. I found dishes with a slight curve or slope on the inside work best if you are using wet food. The curve will help eliminate the food from getting stuck on the edges.

Indoor Cats Galore

Cleo giving the outdoors a look

Cleo & Cia hanging out by the window

Posey having a stretch

Is your cat lazy or fat?

Did you know an indoor cat can become lazy and seriously overweight if it is not active. Taking a proactive approach to keeping your cat happy and healthy, can quite possibly add years to your cat's life. A fat cat does not necessarily mean a healthy cat.

Cats can become dangerously overweight, just like people. Over feeding your indoor cat can often lead to serious health problem's, shortening it's life. I am pretty sure that is the last thing you want. So the first thing you can to do is find the proper amount of food your cat should be eating based on your cat's weight.

Many people leave a dish of dry food out all day, unfortunately, this may encourage your cat to eat more, and all the time. But in all fairness not always. Although some cats may even continue to eat even when they are not hungry. Which can cause digestion issues for your cat. It is estimated for every ten pounds, a cat can be fed 1/4-1/3 cup of dry cat food.

You can break this up into intervals throughout the day, so your cat gets the food it needs. One can of wet food a day is also a yummy treat for your cat. Wet food is always a great way to keep your cat hydrated as well, because of the high water content it contains. Don't forget a fresh bowl of cool water. Even drop some ice into the bowl to keep it cool.

Playing And Scratching

Indoor cats need to play and stay active to help maintain a healthy weight. It is a very important part of their healthy development. Having a few play things and toys for your cat will keep it busy playing, thus boosting your cat's benefits for maximum health.

Cats love to climb, jump and run, there is no doubt about that. Choosing a cat tree or cat house that provides the best exercise for your cat is important. You will want something that fits into your living space, yet useful for your cat to use.

It is important to choose something your cat can scratch on, hide in, and of course climb and jump on. This will build coordination and give your kitty plenty of exercise. Cardboard boxes are a useful and cheap commodity to have around the house.

Your cats will love playing in them, sleeping in them, and most of all they will love scratching on them. Make some different sized holes, connect a couple boxes and you have a cardboard cat house that your cat is sure to love.

Toys for your cat

Toys to please your furry friend

Cats love toys, and almost anything can be turned into a playful cat toy.

Little felt mice with a bit of catnip inside. My cats get a kick out of these little mice, pouncing and swatting them all over the house. Sprinkle some catnip on the mouse, your cat might perk up a bit after getting a whiff of the scent.

Thing on a String, manyy cats adore things on a string. You can buy string anywhere. Take some yarn, ball it up and tie it to the string. There you have a thing on a string. Any soft toy will do.

What about those laser pointers? Cats go wild for that little red or blue light. Your cat can get plenty of exercise chasing that laser around, be safe and do not point directly at your cat's eyes.

A crumpled up piece of paper. My cat gets excited when I crumple paper, she is ready and waiting for me to throw it so she can pounce on and bring it back for more. And I throw it again and again. This is also great exercise for your cat.

A small sock or piece of material tied in small knots. Easy enough on their teeth and light enough to bat around.

Did You Know?

Cats need protein

Cats need 5 times more protein than dogs need. That's because cats use protein for energy when possible. A cat's body is specifically made for consuming more protein than carbohydrates, this is a trademark of a carnivore.

Huge Cat Population

There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with 40 of those as recognized breeds.

Domestic Carnivores

Domestic cats are carnivores by nature.

Meow Meow

A kitten's meow starts out with a high-pitched squeak-like sound. Most meows will deepen as they get older.

Enjoying Your Happy & Healthy Cat

Tricks & Yumminess

You can teach your cat tricks. Your cat might not be as quick to learn as a dog but they can learn. How about this, have your cat sit pretty for a treaty. It can be done. Use a small stool or a box that your cat can jump onto.

Pat the top of the box while saying treaty. Your cat can eventually learn new tricks while getting exercise, food and love all wrapped into one.

Another simple trick is playing fetch. Something as simple as a crumpled up piece of paper will work just fine. Fling the paper ball a few feet in front of you, not too far, just enough to tease your cat.

Use the same routine, throwing the paper further each time. Cats love rewards, love and some yumminess just might give your cat some encouragement to sit, play and fetch.

Is Your Cat Happy?

So how do you keep your cat happy and healthy? The simplest way is to make your cat feel safe and secure, keep the above mentioned tips in mind. And you should have a happy and healthy cat to love, and one that loves you back.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Boo McCourt

3 years agofrom Washington MI

Thank you Kristen, Same as mine. I only have one cat now. She runs up and down the hall and has some kitty furniture to keep her climbing. She likes to hide in the cupboards too.

Kristen Howe

3 years agofrom Northeast Ohio

Boo, great hub. I have two senior adult male cats. The only exercise they get is chasing each other down the hallway and wrestling. I do feed them dry food at night and wet food for supper, half a can per cat. Voted up!

AUTHOR

Boo McCourt

4 years agofrom Washington MI

I let mine out on the balcony. I make sure to watch the 1 year old, she tends to get excited by whatever decides to fly by. She also likes to sit on the windowsill and watch the activity. I basically live in the woods, so she has lots of critters to watch. I am going to check out ClawClub.

schoolgirlforreal

4 years ago

Thank you for this helpful hub crazybeanrider. I have a new cat now and he is 2 1/2 years old and he's great but I also feel bad that he has to stay indoors. He loves to watch the birds outside. I used to let him on my porch but he tried to get thru to the birdies. Oh well. He seems happy otherwise with his fancy feast, and the laser game we play almost daily, and my company as well. :)

I just joined the ClawClub on fb

Thanks again!

Rose

AUTHOR

Boo McCourt

4 years agofrom Washington MI

Genna East, FlourishAnyway I thank you for your comments. My cat will get in a paper bag too. Her favorite place right now is my backpack. Genna, my cat loves shoelaces too. She will actually drag the shoe all over playing with the lace. I had small piece of craft cord she bounced around for a good while to. They are precious.

Genna East

4 years agofrom Massachusetts, USA

I always learn something new and endearing with your hubs. My cat loves shoelaces and is always swiping at them in such a cute way. Thank you for sharing these sage words of advice.

FlourishAnyway

4 years agofrom USA

Your tips are helpful and your photos are adorable! My cats love paper bags and boxes and an ever changing variety of toys, catnip, scratching posts, and view of well stocked bird and squirrel feeders.

AUTHOR

Boo McCourt

4 years agofrom Washington MI

I am glad my hub was useful to you Ruth. My sister takes her cat out on leash. I had one years ago that I walked on a leash. I have a kitten who is desperate to go outside too. I am using boxes and a lot of toys to keep her busy. She has a little dog plushy she loves playing fetch with. Early morning as I sit and drink tea, she brings the plushy and plops it at my feet. So I think she has the right idea. Good luck with your kitties, they will be lots of fun.

Ruthbro

4 years agofrom USA

I have recently become a cat lady, 3 kittens , 2 of which are desperate to get outside so need lots of ideas to keep them busy. This was perfect.

AUTHOR

Boo McCourt

4 years agofrom Washington MI

Thank you Ruthbro and Devika. Your comments are appreciated. I guess I am a crazy cat lady. LOL! Even though I only have 2. I am glad you enjoyed the photo's Devika.

Devika Primić

4 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

I don't have a cat but had to stop by to read this interesting hub. You have such lovely photos and do really care for cats. Great tips and sound advice here thank you

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